a benefit gala
The Catholic Education Foundation's signature fundraising event, the Gaudeamus benefit gala has been a catalyst for the transformation of students, families, and communities in northeast Kansas, providing scholarship funding to help children most in need access the safe, supportive learning environments that our Catholic schools provide.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, last year's Gaudeamus benefit gala empowered CEF to provide more than $4.2 million in scholarship funding, supporting nearly 1,800 at-risk students for the 2022-23 school year.
Saturday, October 29, 2022
Overland Park Convention Center
6:00 pm
The 2021 Gaudeamus benefit gala, CEF’s signature fundraising event, will be celebrated live and in-person at the
Overland Park Convention Center on Saturday, October 23rd! Funds raised support Catholic school scholarships for
low-income students throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Last year’s Gaudeamus gala empowered CEF to provide more than $2 million in scholarship funding to nearly 1,500 low-income students in the ‘20-’21 school year. Thanks to your generosity, seniors supported by CEF scholarships achieved a 100% graduation and matriculation rate last spring, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Right now, more than 200 students living in poverty are waiting for a scholarship - and your support of this year’s Gaudeamus gala can rewrite the future for these children in need.
Saturday, October 23rd, 2021
Overland Park Convention Center
6:00 pm Cocktails
7:15 pm Dinner
8:45 pm Live Band & Dancing
Cocktail Attire
Celebrating Angels Among Us
Every year, we honor a member of our community for their dedication to Catholic education.
Rooted in their commitment to God, family and community, the Byron and Jeanne Thompson family has been instrumental in providing vital support to communities most in need across the Kansas City area.
Supporting Scholarships for Students in Need
For 20 years, the Catholic Education Foundation's Gaudeamus benefit gala has been the backbone of scholarships for low-income K-12 Catholic school students in northeast Kansas.
This year's event will provide the majority of the annual funds needed for CEF’s traditional, tuition-assistance scholarships. CEF provides support to more than 1,800 students in 23 schools throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Mark Your Calendar for Gaudeamus!
The 2023 gala event chairs Craig & Karen Gaffney can't wait to see you at Gaudeamus on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Unable to attend but ready to support students in need? Make a gift to the Gaudeamus Sponsor-A-Child Program.
Meet the 2023 Gaudeamus Chairs
We are honored to have Craig and Karen Gaffney serving as the 2023 Gaudeamus chairs.
Under their leadership, this year's Gaudeamus benefit gala promises to be the best one yet.
The Catholic Education Foundation’s Gaudeamus benefit gala has been the backbone of scholarship funding for low-income K-12 Catholic school students in northeast Kansas for 21 years.
This year's event will provide the majority of the annual funds needed for CEF’s traditional, tuition-assistance scholarships. CEF provides support to more than 1,800 students in 23 schools throughout the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
This year's Gaudeamus benefit gala will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Please plan to join us as we celebrate the truth, beauty and goodness of Catholic education.
“It's like this weight just came off of you and you're thinking, 'My kids are gonna have a faith-filled education because I was able to receive this scholarship.' Thank you for the opportunities you have given my children.”
In 2022, we recognized the small group of Catholics whose lifelong passion for Catholic education and vision of changing the status quo, has fueled our mission and helped thousands of students and families in need. Meet our founders and hear their perspective on CEF's 25-year history.
Mark your calendar! The 2023 Gaudeamus benefit gala will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2023 at the Overland Park Convention Center.
Plan to join us as we celebrate the truth, beauty and goodness of Catholic education!
JOIN THE LISTThe Catholic Education Foundation provides scholarships for low-income students to attend K-12 Catholic schools. We’re working every day to make high-quality, faith-filled education possible for children in poverty.
